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Berry Gordy

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How $800 Berry Gordy Borrowed From Family At Age 29 Led Him To Eventually Sell Motown For $61M 'To Take The Legacy And Put It In Stronger Hands'

Berry Gordy became a music force thanks to an investment from his family. Before Becoming A Record Executive Before becoming a famed record executive, he pursued various other ventures, partly driven by his father’s influence as an entrepreneur. The Telegraph reports that Gordy’s father owned several businesses, involving his family in several endeavors, including a plastering and carpentry business, a general store, and a printing shop. As for Gordy, he would explore becoming an amateur boxer, which prompted his exit from high school to turn professional. However, this venture reached a dead end, per The Telegraph. He then switched gears and served in the U.S. Army in Korea but was discharged. Gordy managed to finance a record store with his earnings, but it would shut down after two years. His next move was working at a nearby Ford Motor Co. plant, earning $85 per week, according to the Orlando Sentinel. During this time, he also nurtured his love for songwriting. “I wanted to...

Samantha Dorisca

Feb 6, 2024

Berry Gordy Not Only Built A $400M Net Worth — But He Also Produced A Family Show Business Legacy

When it comes to show business families, few — if any — have had the impact of the Gordy family. Under the tutelage of Berry Gordy, Motown Records produced some of the biggest hits of the Golden Age of Music. From a former boxer to creating “The Sound of America” — according to The Motown Museum — Berry Gordy has certainly created a lasting empire. According to Celebrity Net Worth, in fact, Berry Gordy’s net worth even after he sold Motown Records in 1988 is a gob-smacking $400 million. And the Gordy family continues to be relevant in both music and business. Whether it’s by blood or by marriage, chances are that you’re currently enjoying music, movies, television shows, and more from this show business legacy family. Believe it or not, too, there are some members of the Gordy family that are nowhere near the entertainment industry. Did you know that one of the most prominent Gordys went into politics — going so far as to become one of America’s presidents? In short, members of this...

Motown Records Names Ethiopia Habtemariam as Chairman & CEO

Ethiopia Habtemariam has elevated to new heights at Motown! In an announcement today (March 1), Universal Music Group named Habtemariam chairman & CEO of Motown. Since 2014, she has served as the label’s president and will now report directly to UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. Under Habtemariam’s leadership, Motown remains committed to its traditions of artist development and partnerships with creative and entrepreneurial entities which include Atlanta-based Quality Control Music (QC). The partnership with QC has created hits from Migos, Lil Yachty, City Girls, and more and the label is well on its way to becoming one of the leading hip-hop and R&B music and entertainment companies. “Motown is such an important voice, and just as when it was founded by Berry Gordy, its impact continues to be felt around the world,” said Grainge in a statement. “Motown’s resurgence and powerful partnership under Ethiopia’s leadership has advanced the label’s legacy as home to some of today’s...

Shanique Yates

Mar 1, 2021